xsniper

***One of those days I will never forget. Working in Tampa FL, I looked out my East office window and viewed that distinctive smoke trail.[/quote So much the same. Working in Lakeland, listening to launch on radio. Saw explosion but just didn't want to believe it. The smoke trail lingered in the air for a very very long time.

My first jumps in 1975 was a drop zone in Gluckstadt, Ms. (more properly described is a sow bean field and a old shack). This club then moved to Magee, Ms and I think faded away. Many good times.

If you only have one alarm, what is the suggestion??

Yes it was. Very, very compeling.

Bingo. Springfield makes good stuff. So does Glock. So does S&W, H&K Sig, CZ, Beretta and on and on. The pistol that is best for you is the one you like best, fits your hand best and that you can shoot the best. That is a very personal and individual choice. The best way to make that choice is to hold and shoot as many as you can. Personally, I'm a 1911 guy. With my training, experience and personal preferences, that is what suits me best. I'm not a big fan of the triggers on the striker fired "duty" type pistols (Glock, S&W M&P, SA XD, ect). I much prefer the short, light single action trigger on a good 1911. That comes with the "cost" of having a thumb safety that needs to be taken off before the pistol will fire, but I have trained with that enough that it's second nature. I've shot Glocks and XDs and a bunch of others, and they are very good pistols, but they aren't my first choice. One of the benefits of volunteering as a range officer is when a shooter asks "Do you want to try my pistol?" As a full time firearms instructor, you are getting some good advice here. Most all of the major firearms companys make a good product. The key is to find the one that you like, trust, and can shoot well. You have found two good choices. There is no "best" gun, nor "magic" bullet. I too carry a Colt 1911. My advice...PRACTISE

I sure hope not. My Raven II will be twenty years old next month. But I had a 12 year break in my jumping it.

So much simpler.....duke it out, make up, continue life....what a concept.

That was awesome.

+1 on Mary Anne

No kidding...one of the scariest things I have ever seen.

I started in '75. My first accuracy meet was completly dominated by the Knights with Paps.....so naturally I had to have one. Jumped it a bunch and felt I did not need a square, my Pap was sufficent. That was until I was jumping loads spotted by the guys with squares.

AHHH...sleeves, you flaked it neat, sleeved it neat, and the PC opened neat. A good topic.

It was just my job......but it was a good job!!!

I broke a thermometer and played with the mercury, and I am still okay....I think. So I am bad.

Please tell me it is true. That is why I came back after a 12 year layoff.

I realize how old this thread is, but it was Travis who put me out for my first jump in 1975, John who mentored all of us, and Mike Blaine who taught me how to fly. Electric Stars were part of the Saturday night entertainment. Would love to be back in touch with any of the old Magee gang. Marc Patterson

Does anybody remeber the Tiger Stripped DC3. I think at one time it was the LSU team plane. Loads of fun. It would show up at the Mardi Gras Boogie.